Rust on leeks
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Primrose
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I was watching the latest "Lifting Leeks" episode and the discussion on rust. If leeks start to suffer from rust while still in full growth, can you simply trim off the affected leaves and let the plants go on growing? I believe some people sometimes trim off some of the tops of the seedlings before planting out. Would the loss of some of the larger leaves affect the growth for the rest of the season?
Hi Primrose,
I seem to remember Toby Buckland saying he put a spot of Vaseline on the leeks at the first sign of rust. I think the idea behind it is to stop the spores from spreading. May just stop it.........
Hilary
I seem to remember Toby Buckland saying he put a spot of Vaseline on the leeks at the first sign of rust. I think the idea behind it is to stop the spores from spreading. May just stop it.........
Hilary
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Colin_M
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I'm no expert on this, though I have had rust on my garlic every year in the last 7.
However I remember someone saying that leeks can tolerate rust during their first year and it generally subsides towards the winter when you start to pick them.
However I remember someone saying that leeks can tolerate rust during their first year and it generally subsides towards the winter when you start to pick them.
Hi Primrose
The first year I started growing veg on the allotment, about ten years ago, the leeks got bad rust in late summer. If I remember rightly, I did exactly what you said - removed the worst-affected leaves - and went on to harvest a good crop over the winter. What I don't know is what would have happened if I hadn't removed the leaves; maybe the plants would have been ok anyway!
The first year I started growing veg on the allotment, about ten years ago, the leeks got bad rust in late summer. If I remember rightly, I did exactly what you said - removed the worst-affected leaves - and went on to harvest a good crop over the winter. What I don't know is what would have happened if I hadn't removed the leaves; maybe the plants would have been ok anyway!
Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
It is true with the onset of winter rust will die off on leeks and the worst affected outer flags can be binned. However a lot of organic gardeners believe a couple of summer feeds with a high potash fertiliser will help to prevent rust. I find darker coloured leeks are less prone to rust. I grow Winter Giant with no problem even though nearby garlic is covered.